I.          Call to Order:

            Dr. Mega called the March 29, 2010 School Committee Meeting to order at 7:15 PM. 

II.        Access to Excellence Policy  

Keith McNamar of the Access to Excellence Committee set the context of the discussion.

•      Described how this was a revision/edit of the current code of conduct for athletes

•      Demonstrated alignment to current policies

•      Shared a timeline for implementation

Dr. Mega opened the floor for questions of the school committee.  Kevin Jackson spoke about liking the timeline and the potential to expand the survey at a later date

Fred Frostic commented on changing the word "immediately" to something more flexible. Also, within the investigation section, he would like to see more than one administrator participating in the investigation. He questioned what would happen if a parent or athlete refused to sign the code.  Terry Lynch responded that they would not be eligible to play.

Maureen Cotter asked Terry Lynch what has been the biggest implementation barrier in other districts.  Mr. Lynch responded that he knows of none.  Ms. Cotter asked to add a review and reporting component in order to determine whether the policy implementation was reasonable.  Dr. Mega asked what she saw as reasonable; Ms. Cotter replied the timelines, how many students were affected – the actuals.  Scott Mueller asked if we would substantially modify the questionnaire initially used.  Dr. Stringfellow responded that it is on the agenda in June to review the survey.  Eileen Stone noted that the survey would provide the outcomes measure needed for evaluation and that RIDE must approve the survey, so timing is critical.

Scott Mueller asked about the "awareness" component and how that would be determined. Dr. Stringfellow responded that it would be determined in the initial investigation; if it was determined that a student was not "aware", the investigation would cease.

Richard Angeli talked about the process being valuable and the policy being a model for the state.

Dr. Mega asked Terry Lynch if this policy would adversely affect his ability to carry out his day to day duties. Mr. Lynch replied that it would not.  Dr. Mega asked Dr. Stringfellow if this policy was co-mingled with the budget (with regard to the potential cut of Student Assistance Counselors).  Dr. Stringfellow responded that should Student Assistance counselors be cut, the administration would outline alternative support for students within this policy

Scott Mueller stated that he is now comfortable with the restorative justice component and the "awareness" component.  He is still somewhat troubled by the 24/7/365 component, but he

maintains that it is reasonable because within our bullying policy, in order to protect our students from bullying, we have to "extend our eyes outside of the school walls".

Maureen Cotter stated that she was pleased that the community had a chance to "weigh in" and give their opinion at school committee meetings, work sessions, by email and telephone as the policy has been available on our website.  She asked Dr. Stringfellow if lawyers have reviewed the document and verified that all procedural due process rights will be respected.  Dr. Stringfellow confirmed that the document had been reviewed by legal counsel.

Carol Hagan McEntee asked whether a student has a right to remain silent.  Dr. Stringfellow acknowledged that they do have that right.  Ms. McEntee asked if we could move the "cooperation" section under the parent notification section because she would want students questioned after their parents had been notified. The committee agreed to make that change.

MSV (1) move to adopt the Access to Excellence Policy with the following alterations:

1. Section D3 eliminate "or" from Athletic Director and/or Administrative team

2. Section D2 move cooperation text under process as bullet 2

3. Add annual review and reporting to the School Committee on or about June 30^th.  Angeli, Jackson (6-0-0).  

III.       Executive Session:  Collective Bargaining

MSV (2) move to recess to Executive Session under Title 42, Ch. 46, Section 5 of the General Laws of Rhode Island for Collective Bargaining at 8:30 PM.  Jackson, Angeli (6-0-0).   

            The Committee recessed to executive session.

            The Committee returned to open session at 10:12 PM.

IV.       Adjournment:

            MSV (3) move to seal the minutes of the executive session and adjourn at 10:13 PM.  Angeli, Jackson (6-0-0).              

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Kristen E. Stringfellow, Clerk

                                                                        South Kingstown School Committee

KES:mem